Method for configuring an electrical installation and corresponding configuration device

ABSTRACT

A network map is determined, either in the operating direction from the feed circuit to the load in the load circuit, or backward on the basis of the loads in the load circuit to the data for the feed circuit. The feed circuit and the load circuit are coupled to a virtual interface, at which secondary distribution panels can be interconnected. The schematic procedure, in conjunction with appropriate computation rules and visualization in a network map that is obtained, allows the configuration process to be carried out even by those who are unskilled.

[0001] This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofPCT International Application No, PCT/DE01/00795 which has anInternational filing date of Mar. 2, 2001, which designated the UnitedStates of America, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to a method for configuring anelectrical installation with a network, preferably one which extendsfrom a feed side to a load side. The invention also generally relates toa configuration apparatus for carrying out the method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] DE 42 09 168 C2 discloses a computer-aided configuration method,which is used for configuring an automation device for a switchgearassembly. The method described there includes all the steps relating tothe planning and setting of the automation device. These include, forexample, configuration, engineering, the production of documentationsystems, the configuration of a remote control point, the generation ofoperating data for the automation device and the production of technicaldocuments, circuit diagrams, screen layout, equipment lists, prices andother technical data.

[0004] In this case, a model of the installation to be configured isproduced from a modular program, based on a data pool of informationrelating to standard circuits and standard appliances. Inclusion of theswitchgear assembly or primary installation to be controlled is notconsidered.

[0005] The process of configuring an electrical installation, forexample fur the electrical power supply for a building, involves a largenumber of steps. In this case, it is particularly problematic to selectthe respective equipment optimally with regard to the various designoptions, regulations and other boundary conditions. A simple selectionmode is not sufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An embodiment of the invention is based on an object of providingan automated method which, taking account of all the computation rulesrequired for the configuration process, makes it possible to determineand visualize a network map, and for which even those who are unskilledcan carry out the configuration process. Furthermore, it is intended toprovide a device for carrying out the method

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, an object can beachieved by a method for configuring an electrical installation with anetwork which extends from a feed side to a load side. A network map maybe determined by

[0008] determining a feed circuit on the basis of presets for electricalmeans, the available power and the circuit length, and by

[0009] determining a load circuit on the basis of presets for anintended load and the circuit length

[0010] or by

[0011] determining a load circuit an the basis of presets for anintended load and the circuit length and by

[0012] determining a feed circuit on the basis of the circuit length andusing the results from algorithms and the presets for the load circuit,

[0013] with the feed circuit and the load circuit in each case beingcoupled to a virtual interface.

[0014] This results in a structure which allows a simple network map tobe constructed, using standard elements. The fundamental idea in thiscase is to reduce the network to its essential elements, namelygenerators and loads.

[0015] It is advantageous if a secondary distribution panel can beinterconnected at the virtual interface, with an input for the circuitlength of the secondary distribution panel being provided for thepresets and/or for the results relating to the feed circuit. Any desirednetwork can thus be simulated using simple devices

[0016] The procedure for the method is advantageously that the followingprocesses are carded out for each circuit, as well as for parallelbranches in the feed circuit and/or in the load circuit, based on thesum of the loads as far as the circuit under consideration:

[0017] a)—The determination of devices and/or protective measures forobtaining overload safety on the basis of the total load andpredetermined tables and algorithms, as well as on the basis ofselection tables for establishing suitable appliances;

[0018] b)—the determination of devices and/or protective measures forobtaining short-circuit protection for short-circuit currents which areobtained on the basis of algorithms from the results according to a);

[0019] c)—the determination of devices and/or measures for protection oflife against electric shocks in the case of indirect contact, on thebasis of the results from a) and b) and on the basis of tables and/or ofalgorithms,

[0020] d)—the determination of the power cross section and/or ofparallel conductors on the basis of the assessment of cable lengths onthe basis of the results according to a) to c) from a cable point underconsideration to a load under consideration using the considerationmeasure that a voltage for correct operation of the load is presentacross the load, on the basis of the voltage drop,

[0021] e)—for the situation where two or more protective devices areprovided in series, the determination of devices which have a selectiveresponse with respect to one another, on the basis of the resultsaccording to a) to d) and on the basis of selection tables, if theprotective switching devices have not satisfied the selectivityrequirements,

[0022] f)—production of the network map an the basis of the accumulatedresults according to a) to e).

[0023] All the essential dimensioning rules and boundary conditions arethus taken into account, and are satisfied optimally and automatically,consistently and in a standard manner, building on one another.

[0024] In this case, it is advantageous if an envelope curve is producedfor protective devices which are connected in series upstream ordownstream of two or more parallel-arranged protective devices, aroundthe tripping curves of the parallel-arranged protective devices, andthese curves are visualized This results in a clear representation,which allows the operator optimum visual control. In this case, settingparameters for the protective devices can be varied on the basis ofvalues which can be predetermined, and the resultant tripping curves canbe visualized online. Small corrections can be implemented immediatelyin a user-friendly manner—even without any extensive specialistknowledge,

[0025] The setting parameters for the protective devices can be providedat an interface for an output to the respective protective devices.Direct data interchange is thus possible, so that there is no need forany additional configuration or setting processes.

[0026] The network map is advantageously visualized in the form of atree structure, which is known in general form from file displays onPCs. The user is thus provided with a generally known representation,which he is already familiar with, so that incorporation is simplified.

[0027] The procedure is advantageously such that in order to obtainhousings for secondary distribution panels for accommodating determinedappliances and devices, it is subdivided into space for

[0028] main connecting rails,

[0029] accessories (test equipment, circuit diagram pockets),

[0030] functional modules for each appliance which can be used,essentially comprising an installation kit, in order to allow a specificappliance to be installed, comprising terminals and, if necessary,intermediate rails, and

[0031] for the housing.

[0032] Then, for determined appliances and devices, the associateddetermined space can advantageously be subdivided into so-called fieldsin the form of distribution panels or switchgear cabinets. The entirephysical configuration process for the installation is thus carried outautomatically, raking into account extensive boundary conditions, suchas cabinet dimensions and the heat requirement.

[0033] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, aconfiguration apparatus is provided for carrying out the methodmentioned above, having a computer, a screen, a keyboard and possibly aninterface, and having a memory in which a large number of virtualdevices, appliances and protective devices are stored with theircharacteristic data in tables, and having a generator which uses thedetermined devices, appliances and protective devices to produce thenetwork map. The advantages of the method mentioned above and thefollowing advantages of the method apply in the same sense to theconfiguration apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention, further advantages anddetails will be explained in more detail in the following text withreference to the drawings, in which:

[0035]FIG. 1 shows standard elements for designing a network map,

[0036]FIG. 2 shows a screen display of a network map,

[0037]FIG. 3 shows a screen image for a load circuit,

[0038]FIG. 4 shows a screen image for a cable,

[0039]FIG. 5 shows an illustration for housing definition, and

[0040]FIGS. 6 and 7 show screen displays for tripping characteristics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] One aim of the configuration method is to carry out theconfiguration process for the electrical power supply for a buildingcontinuously from the building feed to the end user, in accordance withthe currently applicable Standards and regulations, on a state-specificbasis, quickly and automatically (using a PC), without any specificspecialist or equipment knowledge. This is done on the basis of specificdeliverable products.

[0042] The method can be set up as software or as a program, even a PCor a workstation, and is controlled using a conventional display andcontroller, and can include input/display devices including but notlimited to a display screen, touch screen, keyboard, mouse, etc. otherconventional additional output devices, for example a printer, aplotter, etc. may also be provided, in order to output information.

[0043] The configuration of the electrical power supply for a buildingrequires a large number of process steps, in particular the following:

[0044] 1. Concept production (depending on the nature of the building)

[0045] 2. Selection of the equipment, such as switching and protectivedevices, cables, transformers, etc.

[0046] 3. Definition of the characteristics for setting up, such aslaying conditions for cables and lines, allocation of protective devicesto equipment, selection of the installation-location-dependent Standardsand regulations, etc.

[0047] 4. Calculation of the load distribution, short-circuit currents,voltage drop, etc. based on the known rules of technology, andproduction of a selectivity verification.

[0048] 5. Check as to whether all the state-specific installation andconstruction regulations have been satisfied.

[0049] These steps may take a long time. The configuration process isunclear, since the individual steps and influencing parameters are notindependent. This is also documented, since the international committeeshave so far not been able to agree on any procedure for a common method.

[0050] Until now, the configuration process has generally been based onexisting installations or on installation parts of projects that havebeen completed. For this purpose, typical exemplary embodiments arestored and evaluated in paper form, or in the form of EXCEL or ACCESStables.

[0051] This can lead either to a long time being required or touneconomically dimensioned installations, since an installation designedsome time ago and a new project rarely correspond. Furthermore, such aconfiguration process can be carried out only by specialists.

[0052] The generally applicable computation rules for short-circuits,load flow, voltage drop (see also the statements below relating to theconfiguration method) are stored as a computation core in the sense ofstandard calculations or formulae. The configuration rules are stored asmethods, depending on the types of circuit and the configurationconditions.

[0053] Both the parameters for the methods and those for the computationcore can be matched to state-specific or user-specific requirementsusing default settings. State-dependent or user-dependent basic settingsthus make it possible to use an expert system to produce an economicconfiguration, matched to the requirements of the user or of the type ofbuilding, without any need for specialist knowledge by the user. Theconfiguration process is carried out automatically in a very short time.

[0054] If required, the configuration method can be adapted to specificrequirements by specialists or building types, by changing the defaultvalues or changing individual equipment items. The user can carry outthe configuration process both top-down, that is to say starting fromthe feed to the individual loads, but also bottom-up, that is to sayproducing a power budget starting from the loads and going back to thefeed.

Structured Procedure (FIG. 1)

[0055] In order that even inexperienced users can quickly come to afinancially and technically correct result, the procedure has beenstructured. The aim is to achieve a small number of control steps, whicha always the same. In this context, see FIG. 1. The followingstructures, standard network elements or else basic elements have beendefined:

[0056] Feed, node connection and load outgoer.

[0057] These can each be dealt with using the same scheme:

[0058] 1. Definition of the initial node (feed, distribution panel), Themajority of this is transferred from the previous steps.

[0059] 2. Definition of the destination node (distribution panel, load).

[0060] 3. Calculation and dimensioning of the connection (protectivefunction, cable/bus-bar).

[0061] Furthermore, structuring is carried out for the control process:

[0062] 1. Indication and input only of those parameters which areabsolutely essential (default settings),

[0063] 2. If required, detailed statements using further masks.Structure of the operator interface (FIG. 2)

[0064] The interface is subdivided into a number of areas.

[0065] a. Field scheme for the supply network as a tree structure(left-hand side of the figure) with main distribution panel, secondarydistribution panels, loads

[0066] b. Display area (right-hand side of the figure, top). Indicationas a function of the processing

[0067] Circuit dimensioning

[0068] Description of the single-pole network map with technical datafor the equipment or results from the load distribution/short-circuitcalculation

[0069] Selectivity analysis

[0070] Description of the current/time characteristics with settingelements for the protective device and limit values

[0071] Housing definition

[0072] Elevation drawings, field association, dimensions, etc.

[0073] c. Message bar (right-hand side of the illustration, bottom),with a display of fault messages, dimensioning rules, operatinginformation.

[0074] The method can be controlled from any of the three windows of themap layout.

[0075] The tree structure (left-hand part of the map) shows not only thefield scheme of the network but also the results of the checkingfunction for overload protection, short-circuit protection, maximumpermissible voltage drop, protection against electric shock andselectivity via symbols and colors in real time, that is to say withrespect to the run time of the program, for any changes. The user seesthe effects of his changes immediately.

[0076] Structuring of the control process. The characteristics whichdescribe an item of equipment can be viewed and amended in a structuredform in three levels:

[0077] Level 1: Characteristics of the equipment in the network overviewcorresponding to FIG. 2,

[0078] e.g. cables—cable length

[0079] number of parallel systems

[0080] cross section of main conductors

[0081] cross section of neutral conductors

[0082] cross section of PE conductors

[0083] designation

[0084] e.g. switches—designation

[0085] rated current

[0086] type

[0087] Level 2: Characteristics of the circuit dialog field (see theexample in FIG. 3)

[0088] The circuit dialog field contains the most importantcharacteristics of the equipment, for each item of equipment in thecircuit, for viewing and changing.

[0089] e.g. Type of connection

[0090] cable

[0091] length

[0092] arrangement

[0093] cross section

[0094] outer, neutral, PE conductors

[0095] Iz permissible load current

[0096] designation

[0097] e.g. Type of switching device

[0098] circuit breaker

[0099] rated current/short-circuit

[0100] switching capacity

[0101] type of protective device

[0102] Level 3: Characteristics of the equipment detail dialog (see theexample in FIG. 4)

[0103] The equipment detail dialog field contains all thecharacteristics which describe the equipment. All the values may bechanged. At the same time, these may be defined for a specific item ofequipment from the databank:

[0104] e.g. Type of connection

[0105] conductor material

[0106] insulating material

[0107] number of parallel systems

[0108] cross section of outer conductors

[0109] cross section of pen conductors

[0110] arrangement of the conductors

[0111] laying type

[0112] reduction factors

[0113] maximum permissible voltage drop on the section

[0114] designation

[0115] Since the characteristics fields for the equipment are allocatedin advance via variable default values in expert systems, thecharacteristics need be changed only in a small number of circuits inthe individual levels. The subdivision into levels makes theillustrations clear (a circuit breaker has more than 17 characteristicvalues), and considerably reduces the time for the operation.

[0116] One major advantage of the configuration method is thestructuring of the procedure and of the operation, the preparation ofthe structure for the characteristics of the equipment used in buildingtechnology, and the development of a suitable software structure for theoperation of the dimensioning tools, in order to reach a result asquickly as possible.

[0117] For the configuration process and for defining the components fora building power supply. The configuration method with a softwarecomponent or software modules (computation core) is intended to ensurethe following:

[0118] Dimensioning of the necessary equipment for the electric powersupply in buildings, such as

[0119] switching and protective devices

[0120] cables, lines, bus-bars, etc.

[0121] transformers, generators

[0122] etc.

[0123] based on the recognized rules of technology (buildingregulations, installation regulations, etc.)

[0124] Selection of the equipment, with its characteristics that arerelevant for the definition and selection processes, from a databank

[0125] Checking

[0126] of the overload and shortcircuit protection

[0127] of the protection against electric shock from indirect contact(personnel protection)

[0128] of the maximum permissible voltage drop.

[0129] The method is firstly intended to lead to clear financiallyfeasible solutions quickly and without any specific specialist knowledge(expert system) while secondly allowing the specific configurationfeatures for the user on a state-specific basis.

[0130] Until now, the supply concept has been produced roughly on thebasis of empirical values from proven projects. The load currents, thevoltage drop and the short-circuit current load have been calculatedeither by hand or using network calculation programs. The equipment wasthen selected, and its reliability checked, from catalogs from theequipment and system manufacturers.

[0131] On the one hand, this is time-consuming due to the repeatedinputting of data, while on the other hand there is a risk of designerrors due to transmission errors as a result of media failure betweenthe individual methods.

Structure of the Electrical Power Supply

[0132] The power supply network for a building is subdivided intoclasses, subclasses and characteristics and methods linked to them.

EXAMPLES a. Circuits Class

[0133] Feed

[0134] Distribution

[0135] End circuits

a.1 Peel Subclass

[0136] Transformer feed

[0137] Generator feed

[0138] Feed

a.2 End Circuits Subclass

[0139] End circuit with motors

[0140] End circuit with capacitors

[0141] End circuit with plug socket

[0142] End circuit with lights

a.1.1 Transformer Feed Subclass, e,g.

[0143] Medium-voltage section

[0144] Medium-voltage cable

[0145] Transformer

[0146] Transformer switch

[0147] Low-voltage cable

[0148] Distribution panel feed switch

a.1.1.1 Transformer Characteristics

[0149] Rated power

[0150] Type

[0151] Rated short-circuit voltage

[0152] Power loss

[0153] Transformation ratio

[0154] etc.

a.1.1.1 Methods

[0155] These include the methods according to 1.1.2

[0156] The standard elements as shown in FIG. 1 are used for thispurpose. Individual configuration steps, calculation methods andcharacteristics can thus be associated uniquely. Slate-specific anduser-defined default values allow technical data for the configurationprocess and for the selection of equipment to be determined in advanceas a function of the class.

[0157] Procedure for calculation using the configuration program/tool:

[0158] In order to reduce the calculation loops for carrying out theconfiguration process to the absolutely essential extent, the followingconfiguration sequence has been defined:

[0159] 1. Configuration of the overload protection

[0160] 2. Configuration of the short-circuit protection

[0161] 3. Configuration of the protection against electric shock

[0162] 4. Configuration of the voltage drop

[0163] 5. Configuration of the selective response of the protectivedevice (see item 3)

[0164] This specific procedure leads to “forward configuration” which inprinciple, by way of example, leads only to larger cable and line crosssections. This avoids unnecessary loops in the configuration process,thus in principle resulting in the financially best solution.

[0165] The individual configuration steps are based on the currentlyapplicable and recognized rules of technology. State-specific settingsallow footnotes that are normal for a given state to be taken intoaccount in the configuration rules,

Type of Calculation

[0166] The individual circuit classes are dimensioned on the basis ofthe recognized rules of technology, such as national and internationalStandards, regulations and installation regulations. The necessaryequipment, such as switching devices, cables etc. are defined using anexpert system on the basis of default values, which can be matched tothe requirements of the respective planner, as well as selection rulesfor the equipment (fuzzy logic). This leads to the minimum time beingconsumed for feasible solutions. If necessary, each circuit can bematched to the presets of the user of the software, by manual setting.It is thus likewise possible to take into account the user's personalfoibles.

[0167] A databank in which all the products with the characteristicsrequired for an automatic program are stored is used to ensure that onlydeliverable products are taken into account in the dimensioning process.Three dimensioning methods are available for this purpose.

a. Power Budget

[0168] The power requirement for a building is in principle calculatedusing the bottom-up method, that is to say from the end loads to thefeed into the building. In order to obtain

[0169] an energy budget for a building very quickly in this case, thesupply structure of a building can be entered with

[0170] the data that is important to the power budget, such as the realpower, wattless component, number of poles, rated voltage, simultaneityfactor (distribution panels) or utilization factor (loads), and thepreset default values can be amended

[0171] The power budget is then calculated in real time, that is to sayduring the run time of the program in the event of changes and inputs.

[0172] No inputs or additions are made to the switching and protectionfunctions or to the transmission paths.

[0173] This can be reconfigured at a later time

[0174] (see item b or c)

b. Automatic Dimensioning

[0175] The program is set to “automatic dimensioning” as a defaultvalue. This means that, once the supply task has been entered, theprogram automatically dimensions the required switching and protectivedevices, the required cable and bus-bar connections using the top-downmethod (from the feed to the load). The equipment is selected from thedatabank using the selection method that is dependent on the circuit andits characteristics.

[0176] A power budget as in item a, a load distribution calculation anda short circuit calculation am produced for both the maximum and minimumshort-circuit loads automatically, in parallel with the run time foreach input or change.

[0177] The checking module is used to check the 5 conditions for designof the circuit in accordance with the regulations. The result is shownin the tree structure of the network (green=check satisfactory; red=atleast one check is not satisfactory or the dimensioning is incorrectbecause, for example, it has not been possible to define any suitableprotective device).

c. Non-Automatic Dimensioning

[0178] If the user changes a characteristic for the equipment or definesa new item of equipment with new characteristics from the databank, anautomatic change is made for this equipment from “automaticdimensioning” to “dimensioning by hand” (blue hand at the correspondingnodes for the distribution panel, feed, load in the tree structure andin the circuit dialog field for equipment).

[0179] In this case, no new equipment is defined, and the calculationand check are carried out using the equipment as set by the user, basedon the top-down method (from the fed to the load). The resultdisplay—all conditions satisfied or not satisfied—is present using thetee structure, as in item b.

[0180] An object of the program is to automatically dimension aneconomic installation and to select the required equipment in a veryshort time. For this reason, manufacturers details which lead to moreeconomic dimensioning of equipment are evaluated in the calculationmethod. This includes, for example, the current-limiting effect ofcurrent-limiting circuit breakers, miniature circuit breaks and fuses inthe event of short-circuit currents. For this purpose, the let-throughpower characteristics and the let-through current characteristics forthis equipment have been digitized, and have been stored in the databankusing a specific method.

[0181] This method leads to more economical design of the equipment, inparticular for cables and lines, and hence to a significant reduction inthe fire hazard loading in the building, due to the reduction in thecable insulation (e.g. PVC) when laying smaller cable cross sections.

[0182] The voltage drop in the individual circuits is calculated usingthe currently applicable rules of technology. For practical matching ofthe calculation results, the equipment temperature can be matched to theactual conditions.

[0183] A further advantage of the present idea is the fact that suitablesoftware algorithms have been developed for mapping the individualcircuit classes, equipment classes, their characteristics, thecalculation and design methods for power supply systems in the form ofsections, as well as their combination as a function of the existingstandards and installation regulations. Furthermore, the nature of datamaintenance for the equipment, the preparation and digitization of thetripping characteristics, of the let-through power characteristics, ofthe let-through current characteristics of the switching and protectivedevices, such as open circuit breakers, current-limiting circuitbreakers, miniature circuit breakers, fuses, fused switch disconnectors,residual current devices, etc as well as the preparation of the currentload capacity tables and impedance tables should be regarded as aninventive step.

[0184] Only the specific form of data conditioning and the softwarealgorithms that have been developed ensure

[0185] a. separation of data storage and the program,

[0186] b. a solution which, economically, can be implemented well

[0187] for the electrical power supply in buildings. Both lead toconsiderable shortening of the configuration time required, and toavoidance of configuration errors.

Selectivity Analysis (FIGS. 6 and 7)

[0188] The selective response of overload and short-circuit protectivedevices must be varied for the electrical power supply in buildings.When essential safety devices in a building are supplied, such asemergency lighting, fire service elevators, fire extinguishing waterpumps, etc., the national, European and international installation andbuilding regulations mean that there is actually a verificationobligation. However, if the switching and protective devices in acircuit are changed in order to achieve a selective response, then thishas an influence on the other equipment in a circuit, such as cables,lines, bus-bars, etc.

[0189] Until now, the selectivity verification has been produced eitherby drawing illustrations of the mean current/time characteristics (FIGS.6 and 7) for the switching and protective devices on log-log paper forthe tripping time range of more than 100 ms, or by evaluation ofselectivity limit value tables from manufacturers. This takes a verylong time since each upstream or downstream switching or protectivedevice combination (considering two devices in each case) must bedescribed and assessed. The use of modem software programs whichtransfer the drawing representation to log-log paper does not reduce thecomplexity very much either, since there is no direct link to thecalculation programs for short circuits and load flow.

[0190] The program automatically specifies the circuit tree, with theswitching and protective devices that are used. It takes the relevantnetwork data from the circuit dimensioning in order to define thecorrect protective setting, and represents this in a current/timediagram (see the examples in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0191] On the basis of the setting data for the individualcharacteristic sections (overload, short-time delayed and undelayed) aswell as the upper and lower tolerance bands specified by themanufacturer (from the databank), the program composes the toleranceband for the protective tripping of the respective protective deviceautomatically, on its own. Intersections of the characteristics ofupstream and downstream switching and protective devices calculatedautomatically by the program determine the selectivity limit. If theselectivity limit is in the “undelayed” range (short-circuitquick-action release), the selectivity limit value tables from themanufacturer are also used to define the selectivity limits.

[0192] The setting values determined by the program can be changed bythe user. To this end, the actual setting steps of the individualswitching and protective devices are stored in the databank. The settingprocess is then carried out in the central part of the map, usingso-called soft buttons.

[0193] At the same time, overall tolerance bands for the upstream anddownstream protective device are displayed in the current/time diagram.It is thus possible to see directly whether the outgoer underconsideration has a selective response, without needing to considerevery possible combination of switching and protective devicesindividually.

[0194] If setting data has been selected which would lead to theequipment that is being used being unacceptably highly loaded either inthe event of a maximum load on the circuit or in the event of a shortcircuit, or to the expectation of spurious tripping, this is thusindicated immediately during the run time as “RED”.

[0195] This method provides the engineer with the following advantages:

[0196] considerably shorter configuration time (time and cost advantage)

[0197] more accurate result since the processing is carried out withactual possible setting steps

[0198] influence on the selection of the equipment, such as cables,lines, etc. and on the selectivity being indicated directly andautomatically

[0199] error messages and fault messages are automatically transferredto the network calculation.

[0200] The use of this tool ensures that a selective response by theprotective devices is guaranteed, with a greatly reduced acceptablelevel of effort. This leads in the end to safer power supplyinstallations for building technology, as well.

[0201] A further advantage of the method is the use of suitable softwarealgorithms and method sections for

[0202] production of the correct tolerance-dependent tripping curves

[0203] production of the total tolerance tripping curves for a number ofupstream and downstream switching and protective devices

[0204] calculation of the correct intersections of the tripping curves.

[0205] Appropriate data storage guarantees the above functionality, withthe selectivity and partial selectivity being monitored during theprogram run time. Changes are processed online.

Building Definition (in this context, see FIG. 5)

[0206] Those planning electrical power supply installations forbuildings need to know the details for the space requirement fordistribution panels, transformers, generators and power transmissionruns at a very early planning stage. Generally, they do not havespecific knowledge relating to the construction of distributioninstallations, heating problems in specific distribution panels, etc.

[0207] One object in this case is to obtain details relating to thedistribution panels, governing their size, their weight and theprocurement costs as a function of the desired characteristics of thedistribution panels, and the space required.

[0208] In general, the configuration process has until now made use ofexisting installations or installation parts of projects that have beencompleted. This is done by storing and evaluating typical exemplaryembodiments in hard-copy form or in the form of DXF graphics, forexample.

[0209] This leads to a long time being required, since the necessaryfields must be looked for, and if necessary modified, depending on thespecific equipment. Furthermore, a configuration process such as thiscan be carried out only by specialists.

[0210] Structuring has been carried out here, in a similar way to thatfor the definition of the equipment, in order that:

[0211] 1. the operation can be carried out easily (always using the samescheme), and

[0212] 2. different distribution panels can be defined as automaticallyas possible.

[0213] The equipment (switching and protective devices) from thedimensioning of the circuits is transferred, including itscharacteristics, to the building definition. The functional modules forthe installation of the switching and protective devices are determinedfrom the distribution panel databank. All distribution panels which havea functional module for the switching and protective devices areautomatically made available for selection, together with theircharacteristics.

[0214] By restricting the permissible characteristics such as protectionclass, color, type of internal subdivision, etc., it is possible torestrict the distribution panels which can be selected. The user is thusprovided with a tool which allows him to define that distribution panelwhich satisfies his requirements, in a very short time, on the basis ofgeneral distribution panel characteristics.

[0215] A front view and plan view of the distribution panel is producedautomatically, and is available for further use, for example in CADprograms. A general description of the distribution panels, of theswitching and protective devices to be installed, and an estimated priceare determined at the same time.

[0216] The definition process takes account of the fact that theswitching and protective devices have only a reduced current carryingcapacity after installation in a distribution panel. This leads toadequate definition of the switching and protective devices.

[0217] The core advantage of the new method with regard to buildingdefinition is the development of classes, subclass, etc. which can bedescribed by characteristics which an be understood by a planner orinstaller of a switchgear assembly. This is assisted by the use ofselection algorithms which associate the switching and protectivedevices, as defined by the dimensioning tool of the method with aspecific section and installation type, via their characteristics suchas the rated current, load current, number of poles, short-circuitconnection capacity, type of drive, type of installation, etc.

[0218] The individually described method steps and details of the newmethod of the apparatus, which is in the form of a PC, may, of course,be combined with one another without departing from the fundamentalessence of the present idea. The essential feature in this case is thatthe previously complex configuration process for installations, whichwas not necessarily systematic can now be carried out automatically,with a high level of user-friendliness.

[0219] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that thesame may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regardedas a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. (Amended) A method for configuring an electrical installation havinga network which extends from a feed side to a load side, comprising:determining a network map by at least one of, determining a feed circuitbased upon presets for at least one electrical device, available powerand circuit length, and determining a load circuit based upon presetsfor an intended load and the circuit length, and determining a loadcircuit based upon presets for an intended load and the circuit length,determining a feed circuit based upon the circuit length, and using theresults from algorithms and the presets for the load circuit, whereinthe feed circuit and the load circuit are coupled to a virtualinterface.
 2. (Amended) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein asecondary distribution panel is connected in-between at the virtualinterface, with an input for the circuit length of the secondarydistribution panel being provided for at least one of the presets andthe results relating to the feed circuit.
 3. (Amended) The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the following steps are carried out for eachcircuit, and for at last one of parallel branches in the feed circuitand in the load circuit, based on the sum of the loads as far as thecircuit under consideration: a) determining at least one of devices andprotective measures for obtaining overload safety on the basis of thetotal load and predeternined tables and algorithms, and on the basis ofselection tables for establishing suitable appliances; b) determining atleast one of devices and protective measures for obtaining short-circuitprotection for short-circuit currents which are obtained on the basis ofalgorithms from the results according to a); c) determining at least oneof devices and measures for protection of life against electric shocksin the case of indirect contact, on the basis of the results from a) andb) and on the basis of tables and/or of algorithms, d) determining atleast one of power cross section and of parallel conductors on the basisof the assessment of cable lengths on the basis of the results accordingto a) to c) from a cable point under consideration to a load underconsideration using the consideration measure that a voltage for correctoperation of the load is present across the load, on the basis of thevoltage drop, e) determining, for the situation where two or moreprotective devices are provided in series, devices which have aselective response with respect to one another, on the basis of theresults according to a) to d) and on the basis of selection tables, ifthe protective switching devices have not satisfied the selectivityrequirements, f) producing the network map on the basis of theaccumulated results according to a) to e).
 4. (Amended) The method asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising: producing an envelope curve forprotective devices which are connected in series upstream or downstreamof at least two parallel-arranged protective devices, around thetripping curves of the parallel-arranged protective devices, whereinthese curves are visualized.
 5. (Amended) The method as claimed in claim4, wherein setting parameters for the protective devices are changed onthe basis of values which can be predetermined, and wherein theresultant tripping curves are visualized online.
 6. (Amended) The methodas claimed in claim 5, wherein the setting parameters for the protectivedevices are produced at an interface for an output to the respectiveprotective devices.
 7. (Amended) The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the network map is visualized in the form of a tree structure.8. (Amended) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in order toobtain housings for secondary distribution panels for accommodatingdetermined appliances and devices, space is subdivided into space formain connecting rails, accessories, functional modules for eachappliance, comprising an installation kit, in order to allow a specificappliance to be installed, with terminals and intermediate rails, andthe housing.
 9. (Amended) The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein, fordetermined appliances and devices, the associated determined space issplit into fields in the form of at least one of distribution panels andswitchgear cabinets.
 10. (Amended) A configuration apparatus forcarrying out the method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a computer; adisplay; an input device; a memory, in which a plurality of virtualdevices, appliances and protective devices are stored with theircharacteristic data in tables; and a generator which uses the determineddevices, appliances and protective devices to produce the network map.Please add the following new claims:
 11. The method as claimed in claim2, wherein the network map is visualized in the form of a treestructure.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the network mapis visualized in the form of a tree structure.
 13. The method as claimedin claim 4, wherein the network map is visualized in the form of a treestructure.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the network mapis visualized in the form of a tree structure.
 15. The method as claimedin claim 6, wherein the network map is visualized in the form of a treestructure.
 16. A configuration apparatus for carrying out the method asclaimed in claim 2, comprising: a computer; a display; an input device;a memory, in which a plurality of virtual devices, appliances andprotective devices are stored with their characteristic data in tables;and a generator which uses the determined devices, appliances andprotective devices to produce the network map.
 17. A configurationapparatus for carrying out the method as claimed in claim 3, comprising:a computer; a display; an input device; a memory, in which a pluralityof virtual devices, appliances and protective devices are stored withtheir characteristic data in tables; and a generator which uses thedetermined devices, appliances and protective devices to produce thenetwork map.
 18. A configuration apparatus for carrying out the methodas claimed in claim 4, comprising: a computer; a display; an inputdevice; a memory, in which a plurality of virtual devices, appliancesand protective devices are stored with their characteristic data intables; and a generator which uses the determined devices, appliancesand protective devices to produce the network map.
 19. A configurationapparatus for carrying out the method as claimed in claim 8, comprising:a computer; a display; an input device; a memory, in which a pluralityof virtual devices, appliances and protective devices are stored withtheir characteristic data in tables; and a generator which uses thedetermined devices, appliances and protective devices to produce thenetwork map.
 20. A configuration apparatus for carrying out the methodas claimed in claim 9, comprising: a computer; a display; an inputdevice; a memory, in which a plurality of virtual devices, appliancesand protective devices are stored with their characteristic data intables; and a generator which uses the determined devices, appliancesand protective devices to produce the network map.-